France is rolling out the red carpet for King Charles III’s three-day state visit

By SYLVIE CORBET
Associated Press

PARIS (AP) — King Charles III of the United Kingdom starts a three-day state visit to France meant to highlight with great pomp both nations’ friendship. It comes after the trip was postponed in March amid widespread demonstrations against President Emmanuel Macron’s pension changes. Charles and Queen Camilla will first attend a ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe in the presence of Macron and his wife, Brigitte. The French presidency said the visit shows “the deep historical ties that unite our two countries. It is also an opportunity to showcase France’s cultural, artistic and gastronomic excellence.” A prestigious state dinner in the Hall of Mirrors of the Palace of Versailles in the presence of more than 150 guests will be one of the highlights of the state visit.